Luke 9:46-50 Reflection ~
I know people that can manipulate a conversation, especially if the discussion is already familiar or uninteresting to them. I am inclined to pursue the conversation’s depth until I understand, often injecting my comments. For instance, if I feel the discussion should turn toward the positive. I suspect St. John knew he was supposed to subtly change the conversation about who was the greatest. St John did this so that the other disciples could let what Jesus said to affect their hearts. Maybe St. John fed Jesus his thoughts on someone using Jesus’s name? In this way, the disciples would more easily comprehend Jesus’s loving response as a child also would respond.
Jesus and the Little Child by James Tissot (full resolution Painting) and for more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary time Reflections
Luke 9:46-50 – Scripture (NRSV Bible)
True Greatness
46 An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. 47 But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.”
Another Exorcist
49 John answered, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Luke 9:46-50 Reflection – Jesus’s Loving Response.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 9 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.